James Hurt’s use of figurative language in the short story, “The Scarlet ibis” contributes significantly to the reader’s understanding of the characters. One such instance of figurative language is shown through symbolism and can be found in the rising action of the story, during a hurricane:” Cotton balls were wrenched from the stalks and lay like green walnuts in the valleys between the rows, while the cornfield leaned over uniformly so that the tassels touched the ground.” This use of figurative language helps provide a vivid image for the reader, as well as represent something much larger. The storm itself represents the misery that the entire family went through, and how out of place Doodle was by comparing him to the cotton balls that were wrenched from the stalks. Another example of symbolism of Doodle can be seen in his comparison to the Scarlet Ibis bird, both mentally and physically. Both Doodle and the Scarlett Ibis were destined to die, and both died in the same position. In addition to this example of figurative language, Hurst’s use of simile’s help add to the reader’s knowledge of the character of Brother: “Keeping a nice secret is very hard to do, like holding your breath.” In this conflict, simile is used to compare the act of holding your breath to that of keeping a secret, and the reader can tell that Brother is apprehensive about telling the family of his accomplishments. Brother clearly wants the family to see what a great job he did, but he really just does not want to have a crippled brother. The use of simile in the story helps the readers illuminate the characters’ actions, this giving the reader a better appreciation of the characters. One instance of personification can be found in the beginning of the story: “They did not know that I did it for myself, that pride is whose slave I was, spoke to me louder than all of their voices; and that Doodle only walked because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother.” This use…
